Multimedia Packaging

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a multimedia package is disclosed, the package including a box having a display aperture, a reflective surface within the box, and a plastic template within the box. The plastic template includes a mounting portion for mounting a headset at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion and between the display aperture and the reflecting surface. An advantageous method for packaging a headset is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to multimedia packaging, and more particularly, to packaging for headsets with advantageous display and storage characteristics.

2. Description of Related Art

Telephone headsets are gaining popularity in and out of the workplace as more and more users either have jobs requiring that they spend a substantial amount of time on the telephone or users simply desire to listen or speak on the telephone with their hands free to perform other tasks. In some areas, handsfree is being mandated for situations such as when driving.

One type of headset, which can incorporate one or two earphones for monaural or stereo listening, is known as an “in-the-ear” type headset, which employs an earphone that fits into the cavum area, or entrance to a user's middle ear.

Prior packaging for headsets incorporating earphones has typically included thermal molding of plastic (e.g., a thermo-formed plastic tray) which has not been environmentally-friendly or advantageous in terms of product display and/or storage.

Therefore, there is a desire for improved headset packaging that provides for efficiencies in package manufacturing and in using environmentally-friendly materials while also providing advantages in product display and storage.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing advantageous multimedia packaging, in one example, for headsets.

In one embodiment of the invention, a multimedia package is disclosed, the package comprising a box including a display aperture, a reflective surface within the box, and a plastic template within the box. The plastic template includes a mounting portion for mounting a headset at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion and between the display aperture and the reflecting surface.

In another embodiment, another multimedia package is provided, the package comprising a box including a display aperture, a paper insert housed within the box, the paper insert including a reflecting surface behind the display aperture, and a plastic template operably coupled to the paper insert. Again, the plastic template includes a mounting portion for mounting a headset at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion, between the reflecting surface and the display aperture, and within a display area of the display aperture.

In yet another embodiment, a method for packaging a headset is disclosed, the method comprising mounting a headset on a plastic template at least partially above a planar surface of the plastic template, coupling the plastic template with a paper insert that includes a reflecting surface, and housing the plastic template and the paper insert in a box including a display aperture, such that the headset is positioned between the display aperture and the reflecting surface.

Advantageously, the present invention provides headset packaging means and methods which are environmentally-friendly and increase efficiencies in shipping while simultaneously improving display aesthetics and secure packaging. Headset accessories and manuals may also be advantageously and efficiently packaged with a headset.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a multimedia package including a box housing, an insert, and a template holding mounted headset earphones in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the multimedia package of FIG. 1 with the insert and template partially pulled out of the box housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the entire insert and template of FIG. 2 pulled out, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the insert with a cover portion of the plastic template lifted away from a mounting portion of the plastic template in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an accessory compartment flap pulled away in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a reflective sheath partially pulled out of a slot of the insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the entire reflective sheath and a manual partially out of the sheath in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates mounted headset earphones from a bottom perspective view through the mounting portion of the plastic template in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates the headset earphones detached from mounting cutouts of the mounting portion of the plastic template in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial perspective view of another multimedia package including a different mounted headset in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates the headset of FIG. 10 detached from mounting apertures of the mounting portion of another plastic template in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top plain view of the unfolded box housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top plain view of the unfolded insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate top plain views of unfolded plastic templates in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals in different figures indicate similar or identical items. It should also be appreciated that the figures may not be necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this document, spatially relative terms, such as “in front” and “behind”, may be used for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the package in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The package may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, views of a multimedia package including a box housing 100, an insert 200, and a plastic template 300 are illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Box housing 100 includes a display aperture 102 through which mounted earphones may be viewed, insert 200 includes a reflective surface 270, and template 300 includes a mounting portion 300 a and a cover portion 300 b. Headset earphones 400 a and 400 b are shown mounted on plastic template 300 within a view area of display aperture 102 and above reflective surface 270.

Advantageously, earphones 400 a and 400 b are each mounted at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion 300 a between the display aperture 102 and the reflecting surface 270 such that the earphones appear to be “floating” within the box housing 100, thereby providing an aesthetically-pleasing display while simultaneously capturing the earphones in a secure manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, perspective views are illustrated of insert 200 partially and entirely pulled out of box housing 100, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 2 and 12 in conjunction with FIG. 1, box housing 100 may be comprised of various materials but is preferably comprised of a cardboard material and may be advantageously shipped flat in bulk to a packaging location where multimedia packaging takes place.

A top plain view of unfolded box housing 100 is illustrated in FIG. 12, which may be folded into the three-dimensional box as illustrated in FIG. 2. Box housing 100 includes a back wall 106, side walls 108 and 112, a front wall 110 (including display aperture 102), a top wall 114, and a bottom wall 116, which make up the three-dimensional box. Further included in box housing 100 are tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 which are used to couple the box walls together. Unfolded box housing 100 as illustrated in FIG. 12 is folded such that side walls 108 and 112 are positioned parallel to each other, front wall 110 and back wall 106 are positioned parallel to each other, and bottom wall 116 and top wall 114 are positioned parallel to each other in an assembled box housing. Furthermore, box housing 100 is folded such that tab 120 is attached to side wall 112, tab 130 is attached to back wall 106, and tabs 128 and 132 are attached to bottom wall 116. Tabs 120, 128, 130, and 132 may be attached to respective walls either by adhesive (or some other joining means) or by proper folding of the box walls and tabs without an adhesive such that the tabs are stably positioned adjacent to respect walls. Tabs 122 and 126 detachably engage with top wall 114 and tab 124 detachably engages with back wall 106 by proper folding of the box walls and tabs. As illustrated in FIG. 2, tabs 122, 124, 126 and top wall 114 are movable such that an opening is created in box housing 100 and insert 200 may be pulled out of box housing 100 for accessing the headset. Box housing 100 may further include an optional tab aperture 104 in top wall 114 through which a tab 320 of template 300 may pass. Tab 320 includes an aperture through which a shelving rod may pass and is optionally used for displaying the multimedia package on store shelving.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7 and 13, in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, insert 200 may be comprised of various materials but is preferably comprised of a cardboard material and may be advantageously shipped flat in bulk to a packaging location where multimedia packaging takes place. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of insert 200 with a cover portion 300 b of the plastic template 300 lifted away from a mounting portion 300 a of the plastic template 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an accessory compartment flap 208 pulled away from a compartment 232 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Compartment 232 may be used to hold various headset accessories 260, including but not limited to headset covers, charging apparatus, and the like.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate perspective views of a reflective sheath 272 partially and fully pulled out of a slot of the insert 200, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, sheath 272 encloses a user's manual 280 for the packaged headset. Advantageously, as insert 200 is pulled out to access the product, the user guide is simultaneously made accessible as well. Further, a front surface of sheath 272 may be the reflective surface 270 which is exposed through an aperture 201 of insert 200. In other embodiments, a reflective surface 270 may be a component fixedly attached to an interior of insert 200 and aperture 201 would not be required. In one example, reflective surface 270 is comprised of a reflective metallic coating, a foil substrate, and the like that causes at least some reflection of light. In yet another example, reflective surface 270 may be optionally textured for dispersion of light.

A top plain view of unfolded insert 200 is illustrated in FIG. 13, which may be folded into the three-dimensional insert as illustrated in FIGS. 3-7. Insert 200 includes exterior side walls 202 and 216, front walls 204 and 214, interior side walls 206 and 212, a front slot wall 210 including a flap 208, a back slot wall 218, a exterior side wall 220, an exterior bottom wall 222, a bottom front wall 224, and an interior bottom wall 226. Insert 200 further includes tabs 228, 230, 234, 236, 252, 254, and slots 238, 240, 244, 246, 248, 250. Unfolded insert 200 as illustrated in FIG. 13 is folded into an assembled insert such that exterior side walls 202 and 216 are positioned parallel to interior side walls 206 and 212, respectively, front slot wall 210 is positioned parallel to back slot wall 218, and tabs 234 and 236 pass through slots 248 and 250, respectively, such that exterior side walls 202 and 220 are operably coupled. Furthermore, unfolded insert 200 is folded such that exterior bottom wall 222 is positioned parallel to interior bottom wall 226, tabs 252 and 254 pass through slots 240 and 246, respectively, and tabs 228 and 230 are operably coupled to front slot wall 210 to form an accessory compartment 232. Flap 208 may be folded along lines 241 and 243 to provide a flap over the accessory compartment and to provide an aperture 201 through which the reflective surface 270 is exposed. A slot 242 may be provided for passing of a headphone wire.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, and 14C in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7, FIG. 8 illustrates mounted headset earphones 400 a, 400 b from a bottom perspective view through mounting portion 300 a of the plastic template 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 illustrates the headset earphones detached from mounting cut-outs and apertures of the mounting portion of the plastic template 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Template 300 may be comprised of various materials but is preferably comprised of a substantially clear plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and may be advantageously shipped flat in bulk to a packaging location where multimedia packaging takes place.

A top plain view showing die-cut lines for unfolded template 300 is illustrated in FIG. 14C, which may be folded into the three-dimensional template as illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. Template 300 includes mounting portion 300 a and cover portion 300 b. Mounting portion 300 a includes cut-outs 302 and 304 (die-cut lines are shown in FIG. 14C), respective apertures 312 and 314 (FIGS. 8 and 9), and an oval aperture 310 (die-cut lines are shown in FIG. 14C, FIGS. 8 and 9). Cut-outs 302 and 304 are folded along lines 302 a and 304 a, respectively, in order to provide folded supports substantially perpendicular to the planar surface of mounting portion 300 a, thereby allowing for mounting of a portion of the headset above a planar surface of mounting portion 300 a. A portion of the housing of headset 400 a is securely mounted above a planar surface of mounting portion 300 a utilizing cut-out 302 having a bow-tie geometric shape, and an earbud portion of headset 400 a is securely mounted using aperture 310. An earbud portion of earphone 400 b is securely mounted above a planar surface of mounting portion 300 a using cut-out 304 having a circular claw shape that engages the earbud portion.

Template 300 is folded along lines 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338 such that planar surfaces of tab portions 320 a and 320 b are positioned parallel to each other and planar surfaces of mounting portion 300 a and cover portion 300 b are positioned parallel to each other. Folded template 300 is operably positioned within insert 200 such that tabs 340 a and 340 b of mounting portion 300 a pass through slots 238 and 244 of insert 200, respectively. When insert 200 and template 300 are positioned within box housing 100, cover portion 300 b is adjacent display aperture 102.

Advantageously, as the earphones are each mounted at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion 300 a between the display aperture 102 and the reflecting surface 270 utilizing cut-outs and apertures, the fastening system is “invisible” with the headset covering the cut-out or aperture from view, and the earphones appear to be “floating” within the box housing, thereby providing an aesthetically-pleasing display while being securely packaged.

Earphones 400 a, 400 b may be typical wired or wireless earphones which may be used with an audio source, such as a telephone handset, a cellular phone, a personal computer, a PDA, or a communication network. In one embodiment, earphones 400 a and 400 b each include a housing and an earbud with an internal speaker, which may be an electro-acoustic speaker comprising a known type of electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or electrostatic type of driving element, or a combination thereof, or even some other form of driving element, for generating sound waves. Earphone 400 a is wireless and earphone 400 b includes speaker wires operably connected to an acoustic transducer within. A connector at the end of the speaker wires, such as a RJ-11 connector or a 2-3.5 mm plug, may operably connect the headset to an audio source. Advantageously, although earphones 400 a and 400 b have different form factors, template 300 may be formed with apertures and/or cut-out supports having geometric characteristics specific to a headset form factor such that various headsets may be displayed and securely captured in accordance with the present invention.

In one embodiment, box 100, insert 200, and template 300 are comprised of recyclable materials such as plastics and paper and each component may be shipped flat in bulk to a packaging location where multimedia packaging takes place, thus increasing environmental friendliness and efficiencies in shipping and delivery. Furthermore, mounting cut-outs and apertures may be formed in the template with simple tooling (e.g., via die-cut) while utilizing less plastic and decreasing manufacturing time as compared to prior packaging which utilized thermal molding of plastic.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a partial perspective view of another multimedia package including a mounted headset 1400 having a different form factor is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The multimedia package includes a box housing 1100, an insert 1200 having a reflective surface 1270, and a plastic template 1300. Headset 1400 is shown mounted on plastic template 1300, which includes a mounting portion 1300 a and a cover portion 1300 b which is positioned adjacent to a display aperture 1102 through which the mounted headset may be viewed. Box housing 1100 and insert 1200 are substantially similar to box housing 100 and insert 200 as described above and descriptions of common components will not be repeated. Template 1300 includes a different mounting portion specific to mounting headset 1400 as described below.

FIG. 11 illustrates the headset 1400 of FIG. 10 detached from mounting apertures 1320 and 1322 of the mounting portion 1300 a of plastic template 1300, and FIG. 14A illustrates a top plain view showing die-cut lines for unfolded template 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Template 300 may be comprised of various materials but is preferably comprised of a clear plastic such as PTFE and may be advantageously shipped flat in bulk to a packaging location where multimedia packaging takes place.

A top plain view of unfolded template 1300 is illustrated in FIG. 14A, which may be folded into a three-dimensional template. Template 1300 includes mounting portion 1300 a and cover portion 1300 b. Mounting portion 1300 a includes apertures 1320 and 1322. A portion of the housing of headset 1400 is securely mounted above a planar surface of mounting portion 1300 a utilizing aperture 1322 through which passes an end of earloop 1402. An earbud portion of headset 1400 is securely mounted using aperture 1320.

Template 1300 is folded along lines 330, 332, 334, 336, and 338 (same as in FIG. 14C) such that planar surfaces of tab portions 320 a and 320 b are positioned parallel to each other and planar surfaces of mounting portion 1300 a and cover portion 1300 b are positioned parallel to each other in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIG. 14C. Folded template 1300 is operably positioned within insert 1200 such that tabs 1340 a and 1340 b of mounting portion 1300 a pass through slots of the insert in a similar manner as described above.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate top plain views of plastic templates in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 14B in particular illustrates an aperture 310 and cut-out 312 for mounting a headset substantially similar to earphone 400 a.

Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a multimedia package and packaging method with improved display and storage properties. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides for environmentally-friendly packaging materials while also improving efficiencies in shipping.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely meant to be illustrative and not limiting. It will thus be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims encompass all such changes and modifications as falling within the true spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. A multimedia package, comprising: a box including a display aperture; a reflective surface within the box; and a plastic template within the box, the plastic template including a mounting portion for mounting a headset at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion and between the display aperture and the reflecting surface.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the plastic template includes a cover portion that is positioned adjacent to the display aperture.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion includes a cut-out.
 4. The package of claim 3, wherein the cut-out includes one of a circular cut-out or a folded support.
 5. The package of claim 1, further comprising a paper insert housed within the box, the plastic template operably engageable with the paper insert.
 6. The package of claim 5, wherein the paper insert includes a slot for receiving a reflective sheath that holds an instruction manual.
 7. The package of claim 5, wherein the paper insert includes a compartment for headset accessories.
 8. The package of claim 5, wherein the paper insert includes an aperture through which the reflective surface is exposed.
 9. A multimedia package, comprising: a box including a display aperture; a paper insert housed within the box, the paper insert including a reflecting surface behind the display aperture; and a plastic template operably coupled to the paper insert, the plastic template including a mounting portion for mounting a headset at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion, between the reflecting surface and the display aperture, and within a display area of the display aperture.
 10. The package of claim 9, wherein the plastic template includes a cover portion that is positioned adjacent to the display aperture.
 11. The package of claim 9, wherein the mounting portion has a cut-out including one of a circular cut-out or a folded support.
 12. The package of claim 9, wherein the paper insert includes a slot for receiving a reflective sheath that holds an instruction manual.
 13. The package of claim 9, wherein the paper insert includes a compartment for headset accessories.
 14. The package of claim 9, wherein the paper insert includes an aperture through which the reflective surface is exposed.
 15. A method for packaging a headset, the method comprising: mounting a headset on a plastic template at least partially above a planar surface of the plastic template; coupling the plastic template with a paper insert that includes a reflecting surface; and housing the plastic template and the paper insert in a box including a display aperture, such that the headset is positioned between the display aperture and the reflecting surface.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing of the plastic template and the paper insert in the box includes positioning a cover portion of the plastic template adjacent to the display aperture.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the mounting of the headset on the plastic template includes positioning a portion of the headset through a cut-out.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the mounting of the headset on the plastic template includes positioning a portion of the headset on a folded cut-out support.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising storing a reflective sheath that holds an instruction manual in a slot of the paper insert.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising storing headset accessories within a compartment of the paper insert. 